“As we recognize the challenges of weaker global commodity prices, we remain focused in our strategy to continually reduce costs, increase production and improve further our operational efficiency,” Atlas Mining executive vice president Adrian Ramos said in a statement.

“(This) tells us that we are gaining some momentum as a result of a more efficient operation,” he said. “Likewise, we are expecting to deliver better ore grades to the mill by the second half of the year as we continue developing the Carmen pit.”